RSA Protocol When Toll Booth Arm Damages Vehicle MyMechanic

Stabilise safely in a constrained lane

• Stay seated, hazards on; keep the vehicle straight, engage Park/handbrake, and signal early.
• Use safe‑side doors only; if passengers must exit, choose the side with the most space and stand behind the barrier housing if any.
• Acknowledge staff with a hand signal; wait for a clear, single instruction before moving.

Get clean evidence before anything moves

• Four‑corner set with plates; close‑ups of all contact points.
• Barrier context: arm, hinge housing, lane lights/signage, and any posted warnings/sensors.
• Sequence shots from behind and ahead; note time, lane ID/booth ID.

• Windscreen/roof for cracks or bent bonnet edges; avoid highway speeds if compromised.
• ADAS camera/rain sensor housings at windscreen top; loose/misaligned covers suggest towing.
• Bonnet latch/hood line: if the safety catch won’t engage or the line sits high, do not drive—request tow.

What to request from plaza personnel

• Incident note: lane number/time recorded and supervisor’s name.
• Camera reference: camera ID covering the lane if posted; confirm if a recording exists.
• Movement instruction: clear “move to bay” or “remain in lane”; if moved, take two more photos at the bay.

• Do not force the arm; wait for staff to raise or detach it.
• Cover sharp edges lightly with tape only if safe; avoid pushing trim back—photograph first.
• Avoid wiper use if the strike was at the windscreen top to prevent snagging.

Drive vs tow decision

• Drive cautiously only if the windscreen is intact, bonnet latches flush, ADAS housing looks secure, and all lights work.
• Tow now if windscreen is cracked, bonnet won’t latch, ADAS housing is loose, or roof/antenna area shows deformation.

Claim‑ready documentation set

• Photos: corners, close‑ups, barrier arm/hinge/signs, wide scene.
• Notes: date/time, lane/booth ID, supervisor name, brief description.
• Extras: tow job card, truck plate, and loading photos (ramps, wheel straps).

Passenger and child safety in queues

• Seatbelts on until a safe bay is confirmed; avoid standing near lane lines.
• If heat builds, short A/C cycles or a cracked safe‑side window; do not wander between booths.

• Evidence‑first prompts for photos/notes before movement.
• Correct routing for windscreen/bonnet/ADAS damage—drive‑off vs tow.
• Clean handover: documented job card, secure loading, calibration‑capable destination.

Frequently Asked Questions